Thomas K. Martin

Book Reviews and Recommendations

When mentioning those writers who had a profound impact on my own style of writing, I have
to include John Gregory Betancourt. Many years ago, John was my instructor in the
Writer's Digest short story course. He helped to take a raw, unpolished writer and
turn him into somebody who could actually sell his first novel! John is an accomplished
writer and has published many works of fantasy and science fiction as well as action/adventure
novels. Take a moment to peruse the works of this talented author.

Marion Zimmer Bradley

No reader's collection would be complete without a least a FEW works from this grand
mistress of science fiction!&nbsp On the other hand, if I tried to review every book that
Ms. Bradley has written, this page would never be finished!&nbsp The few works that I have
included here should serve as an introduction to the wonderful work of this incredible
writer.

&nbsp&nbsp
Although by no means the "first" in the Darkover series, The Bloody Sun gives an
introduction to Darkover from the viewpoint of a Terran boy.&nbsp As such, it makes a
wonderful introduction to the world of Darkover.

&nbsp&nbsp
Again, this novel of Darkover is told from the point of view of an offworlder, making it a
perfect introductory work for the Darkover series.&nbsp In this case, however, the viewpoint
character is an adult Terran male and the theme of the book is somewhat more mature.&nbsp
The Forbidden Tower makes a fine introduction to the world of Darkover.

&nbsp&nbsp
Probably the first novel I ever read by Ms. Bradley.&nbsp Hunters of the Red Moon was
one of those books which heavily influenced my own writing style long before I ever started
writing!&nbsp Hunters of the Red Moon tells the story of a human abducted by aliens
to take part in a big game hunt -- as the game!&nbsp Whereas this theme has been used many
times by SF authors, none have ever done it quite like Marion Zimmer Bradley.&nbsp If you
only read one book by this wonderful author, make it this one!